Complete message delivery to multi-mode communication device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for complete message delivery to a multi-mode communication device is presented. The communication device is adaptable to communicate with one or more carrier networks and one or more data networks. When a new message is received for the communication device, a message notification is sent to the device via a first network. The communication device parses the message notification and retrieves the complete message via a second network. Alternatively, the message notification may be delivered and the complete message may be retrieved via the same network.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to multi-modecommunication devices and more particularly relates to the delivery ofcomplete messages to multi-mode devices over a combination of carriernetworks (“WANs”) and data networks (“LANs”).

[0003] 2. Related Art

[0004] Conventional wireless communication devices typically haveseparate information applications, such as an email application, thatare hosted by the wireless device. New or updated information messages,such as email messages, are usually retrieved from a central informationserver at the instruction of the user. Additionally, the host wirelesscommunication device may periodically wake up the target informationapplication to prompt the application to contact the central informationserver and poll the server to see if new or updated information isavailable. These conventional methods of delivering information messagesto wireless devices are inefficient and do not provide for real-timenotification of new messages or updated information.

[0005] In order for a conventional wireless communication device to usea circuit switched IS95A/B CDMA or GPRS network for email and otherwireless information retrieval, the communication device must beconnected to the network. When connected, the communication device maypoll an information server for updates to information or for theexistence of new messages. Thus, a communication device is required toestablish a connection just to check for updated information or newmessages. If there are no new messages or there is no update, time andother valuable resources are wasted to execute the status check. In someinstances, monetary charges may also apply.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a system and method that overcomesthese significant problems found in the conventional systems asdescribed above.

SUMMARY

[0007] A system and method for complete message delivery to a multi-modecommunication device is presented. The communication device is adaptableto communicate with one or more carrier networks (“WANs”) and one ormore data networks (“LANs”). When a new message is received for thecommunication device, a message notification is sent to the device via afirst network. The communication device parses the message notificationand retrieves the complete message via a second network. Alternatively,the complete message may be retrieved via the first network.

[0008] The current location or current network connection status of thecommunication device is maintained at a network designated as the homenetwork. When the communication device performs an intersystem handoff(i.e. switches from one network to another network), the device updatesits location with the home network.

[0009] When messages destined for the device are received by the homenetwork, a condensed notification of the complete message is sent to thenetwork in which the device is currently registered. That network canthen carry out delivery of the condensed notification to the device.Additionally, the notification message may be encrypted for increasedsecurity.

[0010] Upon receipt of the condensed notification, the communicationdevice is prompted to initiate a connection with an information serverin the home network to download the entire message. The connection withthe information server may be open or secure, such as a virtual privatenetwork (“VPN”) connection.

[0011] Messages received by the home network that are destined for thecommunication device and may be filtered prior to delivery of thecondensed notification. The filtering process advantageously determinesif the message meets the requirements established for delivery of amessage over the particular network (WAN or LAN) to which thecommunication device is currently connected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The details of the present invention, both as to its structureand operation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and inwhich:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a high level network diagram illustrating an exampleWAN/LAN network architecture with a multi-mode communication deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a network diagram illustrating an example multi-modecommunication device communicating over a hybrid WAN/LAN networkarchitecture with various example network devices according to anembodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2A is a network diagram illustrating various examplemulti-mode communication devices communicating over a hybrid WAN/LANnetwork architecture according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example informationserver according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process forproviding a notice message to a multi-mode communication deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for amulti-mode communication device to retrieve a complete message accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for amulti-mode communication device to provide location informationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process formaintaining a database of location information according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

[0021]FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for anetwork to deliver a complete message to a multi-mode communicationdevice on another network according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for systems andmethods for complete message delivery to a multi-mode communicationdevice. For example, one method as disclosed herein allows for a networkto receive a message addressed to a multi-mode communication device andsend a message notification to the device. The device parses the messagenotification and downloads the complete message when appropriate.

[0023] After reading this description it will become apparent to oneskilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternativeembodiments and alternative applications. However, although variousembodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it isunderstood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only,and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of variousalternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope orbreadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0024]FIG. 1 is a high level network diagram illustrating an examplehybrid WAN/LAN network architecture with a multi-mode communicationdevice 10. The communication device 10 can be any of a variety ofwireless communication devices, including a mobile telephone, personaldigital assistant (“PDA”), 10-key device, mobile personal computer,laptop, and palmtop, just to name a few.

[0025] Communication device 10 is preferably adaptable to communicateover more than one network type including wireless communication carriernetworks such as WAN 20 and WAN 30, and also data communication networkssuch as LAN 40 and LAN 50. In one embodiment, communication device 10may communicate over WAN 20 using the GPRS protocol and also communicateover WAN 30 using the CDMA protocol. Other WAN network protocols mayalso be employed, including 1xRTT, UMTS, and 1xEV. Additionally,communication device 10 may communicate over LAN 40 and LAN 50 using the802.11(b) network protocol. Other LAN networking protocols may also beemployed, including 802.11(a), and home RF.

[0026] Communication device 10 is also adaptable to communicate over thevarious WANs and LANs with people or devices across the accumulation ofconnected networks commonly referred to as the Internet 60. Examples ofcommunication device 10 operating within the hybrid WAN/LAN networkinclude a wireless telephone call, perhaps established by communicationdevice 10 using a circuit switched voice connection over a GPRS networkto a wired or wireless communication device. Additionally, communicationdevice 10 may browse the web or other data resources, using an 802.11(b)data connection to a private corporate LAN, a public LAN in an airportor a coffee house, or a home or apartment complex based residential LAN.Communication device 10 may also send receive work orders, emailmessages, or simple messaging system (“SMS”) messages over the hybridWAN/LAN network.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a network diagram illustrating an example multi-modecommunication device 200 communicating over a hybrid WAN/LAN networkarchitecture with various example network devices 100, 110, and 120.Network device 100 can be a wireless communication device capable ofcommunicating over a carrier network such as WAN 130. Network device 100may also be adaptable to communicate over a data communication networksuch as the ubiquitous Internet 150.

[0028] Network device 120 can be a wired or wireless communicationdevice such as a cell phone, PDA, laptop computer, or desktop computerthat is in wired or wireless communication with a network that is partof the aggregation of networks commonly known as the Internet 150.Network device 110 can also be a wired or wireless communication devicesimilar to network device 120. Network device 110 may also be adaptableto communicate with a preferred network such as home network 140.

[0029] For example, a particular communication device 200 maycommunicate primarily over a certain network that can be designated asthe preferred network, such as home network 140. In one embodiment, homenetwork 140 may be a corporate network with a virtual private networkcapability or an 802.11(b) wireless connection ability or both. Homenetwork 140 is preferably connected to the Internet 150 as well as othercommunication devices such as network device 110. Home network 140 canalso be advantageously connected to other communication networks such asWAN 130, residential network 160, airport network 170, and various othernetworks represented by other network 180. These connections may be madedirectly or through Internet 150.

[0030] Communication device 200 is preferably adaptable to communicateover carrier networks such as WAN 130 and data networks such asresidential network 160, airport network 170, and other LANs such as acoffee shop LAN, represented by other network 180. As illustrated by thedashed line connecting communication device 200 to the various networks,a single communication device 200 may advantageously communicate throughany one of the various WANs or LANs, using the particular protocol andcommunication means required for that network.

[0031] By way of example, communication device 200 can communicate withnetwork device 100 through a GPRS or CDMA connection over WAN 130. Sucha communication may be a phone call or an SMS message, for example.Additionally, communication device 200 can communicate with networkdevice 120 through WAN 130 and Internet 150. Alternate network paths arealso available for communication device 200 to communicate with networkdevice 120. For example, through any of the LANs such as residentialnetwork 160, airport network 170, or other network 180 and then throughhome network 140 and possibly Internet 150, although not required. Sucha communication may be an email message, a work order, or a databaseupdate, just to name a few examples.

[0032] Communication device 200 may also connect with othercommunication devices (not shown) that are connected to the LAN. Forexample, communication device 200 might send an email through airportnetwork 170 to home network 140 for delivery to the recipientcommunication device (not shown) through residential network 160.

[0033]FIG. 2A is a network diagram illustrating various examplemulti-mode communication devices 202, 203, and 204 communicating over ahybrid WAN/LAN network architecture according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Multi-mode communication device 204 connects via awireless network connection through WAN and Internet 150 and multi-modecommunication device 202 and 203 connect via an 802.11b wireless accesspoint. Communications between device 204 and the home network 140 maytravel directly through a firewall or for enhanced security thecommunications may travel through VPN network 142.

[0034] Information server 210 preferably manages the communications forthe various communication devices 202, 203, and 204. A separate messagecontrol server 220 may also be employed to perform as a location managerthat keeps track of the various communication devices 202, 203, and 204and how to successfully communicate with those devices. In analternative embodiment, the message control server 220 may be integratedwith the information server 210.

[0035]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example informationserver 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theinformation server 210 resides within the home network 240 and hasaccess to a storage medium such as database 230. Database 230 can beimplemented in memory or in persistent storage, as will be understood bythose skilled in the art. Information server 210 preferably contains amessage control module 220 and a message filter module 250.

[0036] Message control module 220 can be implemented in software,hardware, or some combination of the two. In one embodiment, a completesoftware solution is employed. The message control module 220 keepstrack of registration information pertaining to the communicationdevices that identify home network 240 as the preferred network. Forexample, message control module 200 can maintain a database of records,one record for each discrete communication device. A unique identifieris preferably assigned to each communication device, for example atelephone number or an IP address can be used. When a communicationdevice is active on a network, a registration message is sent to theinformation server 210 and passed along to message control module 220.The message control module 220 can then update database 230 with thelocation information for the particular communication device.

[0037] Message filter module 250 provides the additional function ofcomparing messages to an established set of parameters to determine ifthe message should be forwarded on to the communication device at thecurrent registered network. For example, if the message contains a largeattachment and has a low priority, the message may not be forwarded tothe communication device when the communication device is connected to alow speed, low bandwidth LAN.

[0038]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process forproviding a notice message to a multi-mode communication device.Initially, in step 300, the home network receives a new message destinedfor the communication device. The message may be received from anoutside network such as a carrier network WAN or a peer LAN or theInternet. The message may also be received from a network deviceconnected to the home network. The format and content of the message mayrange from a simple email to a database query response or a work orderform.

[0039] The home network preferably receives the message at a messagecontrol module. The message control module performs a lookup in a datastorage area to determine the local registration of the communicationdevice, as illustrated in step 310. In one embodiment, the database maycontain an entry or field that identifies whether the communicationdevice is connected to the home network or to another network.Additionally, if the communication device is connected to anothernetwork, the database preferably includes characteristic information forthat network such as the bandwidth, speed, capabilities, and protocol.

[0040] If the message control module determines that the communicationdevice is connected to the home network, then the message is deliveredto the communication device via the existing channels in the homenetwork, as shown in step 320. If the message control module determinesthat the communication device is connected to another network, then themessage is filtered, as illustrated in step 330. The filtering processmay be handled by a message filter module. Preferably, the messagefilter module can retrieve the characteristics of the device's currentnetwork from the database to determine how to filter the message.Additionally, the database may contain a set of preferences for how tooptimally filter the message for the particular network. For example,the preferences may be set for the size of the message (including anyattachments), the priority, the sender, or other attributes associatedwith the message. There may also be a default set of filteringpreferences to be used in the case where no specific preferences havebeen set for a particular network.

[0041] Once the message has been filtered, the message filter moduledetermines if the message is still to be sent to the communicationdevice, as shown in step 340. If the message did not pass the filter,for example because it had a large attachment file, then the message isnot delivered and the process is complete, as shown in step 380. In sucha case, the message is maintained at the home network for laterdelivery, for example the next time the communication device is locallyconnected to the home network.

[0042] If the message does pass the filter, then the message controlmodule verifies the registration for the communication device, as seenin step 350. In doing so, the message control module preferablydetermines what network the communication device is connected to andalso the current local address of the communication device. For example,a current local address can be the telephone number for the device or anetwork address. This information may advantageously be maintained inthe database. Additionally, the message control module may test thecommunication link between the networks, for example by sending a testmessage to verify the connection status and robustness of theconnection.

[0043] Once the communication device has been located on an externalnetwork, the message control module constructs a notification messagerepresentative of the complete message and sends that notificationmessage to the communication device, as illustrated in step 360. In oneembodiment, the notification message can be an SMS message that is sentto the communication device over the WAN. Preferably, the notificationmessage includes some cursory information about the complete message.For example, the notification message for an email message may includethe name of the sender, the subject line, and the priority of themessage. Additionally, the notification message for a work order mayinclude the client number and the priority.

[0044] Once the notification message has been sent, the message controlmodule waits to receive an acknowledgement that the notification messagewas received, as shown in step 370. If no acknowledgement is received,another notification message can be sent and the process repeated untilthe communication device is notified of the existence of the completemessage at the server. When a successful acknowledgement is receivedwith respect to the notification message, the process ends, as shown instep 380.

[0045]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for amulti-mode communication device to retrieve a complete message.Initially, in step 400, the communication device receives a notificationmessage. The notification message can be received from a centralinformation server on a preferred home network. The notification messagemay also be received from an information server on another network.

[0046] In one embodiment, the notification message can be an SMS messagesent to the communication device over a WAN connection. The mechanics ofsending an SMS message to a wireless communication device are well knownand will therefore not be discussed. Alternative formats for thenotification message may also be employed, including an internet controlmessage protocol (“ICMP”) message. The communication device isconfigurable to parse the alternative formats of the notificationmessage to obtain the information contained within the notificationmessage. In one embodiment, the notification message includes summaryinformation pertaining to the complete message. Preferably, enoughsummary information is included to allow the communication device todetermine if the complete message should be retrieved.

[0047] The communication device may include a parsing utility to obtainthe summary information from the notification message. This utility maybe implemented in hardware or software or some combination of the two.For example, in one embodiment, a firmware solution may be employed toparse notification messages. In one embodiment, parsing may comprise acomparison of the notification message to a predefined footprint set formessages to be retrieved.

[0048] Once the notification message has been received, it may first bedecrypted prior to being parsed and processed. Encryption of thenotification message may be employed in order to provide comprehensivesecurity for the complete delivery of messages to the multi-modecommunication device. After the notification message has been decrypted(if necessary) user input may be required to instruct that the completemessage be retrieved, as shown in step 410. For example, there can be aset of customizable parameters that are set to establish a threshold fordetermining if user input is required. In one embodiment, suchparameters may include the size of the message, the priority of themessage, the sender, and message type, just to name a few. Theparameters are obtained by parsing the notification message.

[0049] If user input is required, the summary information from thenotification message is displayed, as illustrated in step 420.Preferably, the summary information allows the user of the communicationdevice to provide instructions to either obtain the complete message orto not obtain the complete message, as shown in step 430. If the userselects to not obtain the complete message, the process is complete, asshown in step 480. In such a case, the complete message remains on theinformation server for later delivery.

[0050] If the user requests that the complete message be obtained, or ifno user input is required, the communication device establishes aconnection with the information server, as seen in step 440. One exampleof when no user input is required is when the total size of the messageis less than a previously set amount. For example, a customizableparameter may be set to automatically accept any complete message with atotal size of less than 100 bytes. Thus, if the notification messageindicates that the total size of the complete message is under theestablished threshold, then no user input is required and the completemessage can be automatically retrieved.

[0051] Sophisticated use of the parameters may be advantageouslyemployed so that a parameter such as message size may vary dependentupon the current connection speed or current connection bandwidth forthe communication device. For example, a low throughput networkconnection on a LAN may dynamically decrease the message size parameterwhile a large bandwidth, high speed connection may dynamically increasethe message size parameter.

[0052] In step 440, the communication device connects with theinformation server. This connection may be an open connection or asecure connection. For example, the communication device may establish asecure VPN connection with the home network so that any message transferis completely protected. In one embodiment, the VPN session may beestablished in the background, without the knowledge of the user.Additionally, the connection with the information server may use aseparate channel than the channel used to receive the notificationmessage. For example, the notification message may come through a WANconnection, using SMS, while the server connection may be establishedthrough a LAN using TCP/IP.

[0053] Once the connection has been established, a download is initiatedto obtain the complete message, as illustrated in step 450. In oneembodiment, a message request may be sent to the information serverrequesting the specific message corresponding to the notificationmessage. In such an embodiment, a unique message identifier mayadvantageously be included in the notification message. Additionally,the communication device may request that all pending messages bedelivered, to maximize the use of the connection. When the download iscomplete, or enough information has been received to begin presentingthe message to the user, the communication device can notify the userthat a new message has been received, as shown in step 460.

[0054] The notification may take a variety of forms, including audionotification such as a beep, a voice synthesis, or a pre-recordedmessage. The notification may also be visual such as a blinking light,presence of an icon, and the like. The communication device may alsovibrate or take some other action to notify the user that a completemessage has been received. Once the complete message has been received,the message may be displayed, as illustrated in step 470. Displaying themessage ends the process, as shown in step 480. In one embodiment, themessage can be automatically displayed. Alternatively, the message maynot be displayed until some affirmative input from the user is received.

[0055] An example of the above described process in use may start with acommunication device receiving an SMS message over the WAN. The WAN maybe a GPRS network. Once the SMS message is received, the message isparsed to determine the characteristics of the complete message. Thecharacteristics may be compared to a set of parameters or a “footprint”that establishes the threshold for complete messages that are to beretrieved.

[0056] When the parsed parameters meet the criteria to retrieve themessage, the communication device may launch a local message retrievalapplication such as an email application. In one embodiment, the PDAfunctions of the device may be in a power down state and thus the PDAmay be powered on by the communication device to initiate retrieval ofthe complete message. Alternatively, the message retrieval applicationmay be running dormant in the background, and “woken up” by thecommunication device to initiate message retrieval.

[0057] The communication device next establishes a connection with a LANfor data retrieval. This connection may be with the home network or withanother local network such as a residential LAN or an airport LAN. Theconnection may be an open public connection or a secure privateconnection. Once the connection is established, the complete message isretrieved and the user is notified of the new complete message.

[0058]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for amulti-mode communication device to provide location information.Initially, in step 600, the communication device is powered on. Uponpower up, the communication device acquires a local network to determinethe service capabilities or functional capabilities. For example, thecommunication device may acquire one or more available WANs and one ormore available LANs. Where more than one network is available, thecommunication device preferably selects the optimal network, consideringcost and performance and perhaps other parameters established by theuser, for example.

[0059] Once a network connection has been established, the communicationdevice sends a registration message to the home network, as illustratedin step 610. The registration message may be an SMS message travellingover a WAN or an IP message travelling over a LAN. The registrationmessage is preferably routed to a message control module on aninformation server in the home network. The device then waits to receivean acknowledgement that the registration message was received, as shownin step 620. If the acknowledgement is not received within a predefinedperiod of time, an additional registration message is sent and theprocess repeats until an acknowledgement is received.

[0060] At this point, the communication device enters into normaloperation mode, as shown in step 630. As is the nature of mobilewireless communication devices, the communication device may changelocations and eventually move out of the geographic area covered by aparticular network. For example, the communication device may initiallyregister within a residential LAN such as a home RF network. Later, thedevice may be taken to an airport and subsequently connect to theairport LAN. In between the residential LAN and the airport LAN, thedevice may have been connected to a corporate LAN (e.g., the homenetwork).

[0061] Each transition between networks causes the communication deviceto perform an intersystem handoff. An intersystem handoff may beinitiated automatically based upon the geographical location of thecommunication device (e.g. the device moves from one location toanother). Additionally, an intersystem handoff may be required by thecarrier (e.g. for capacity reasons) or forced by the user (e.g. userselection of a particular network, perhaps for cost, speed, quality, orbandwidth reasons). As will be understood by one having ordinary skillin the art, the intersystem handoff seamlessly shifts the networkconnection for the communication device from one network to anothernetwork. For example, from the residential LAN to the corporate LAN tothe airport LAN.

[0062] As shown in step 640, while no intersystem handoff is required,the communication device remains in normal operation and the originalregistration for the communication device remains valid. Once anintersystem handoff occurs, the communication device sends a newregistration message to the home network, as illustrated in step 610.The registration process then completes with an acknowledgement asdescribed above and the communication device moves into normal operationwhile the communication device remains in the same network. In thisfashion, the home network may advantageously keep track of the networkwithin which the communication device is in operation.

[0063]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process formaintaining a database of location information. Initially, in step 700,an information server in the home network receives a registrationmessage from a communication device, as illustrated in step 700. Themessage may be an SMS message received via a WAN or an IP messagereceived via a LAN. Once the message is received, it is preferablyrouted to a message control module or some other registration authority,as shown in step 710.

[0064] In step 720, the registration authority updates the registrationinformation. The registration information may be maintained in adatabase located in memory or in persistent storage. Various techniquesfor maintaining the location information may be employed, the functionof the registry being to track current location information forcommunication devices. The information stored in the database mayadvantageously include a network address, a telephone number, or otherinformation that uniquely identifies the communication device and itscurrent network.

[0065] Once the database or registry has been updated, the messagecontrol module preferably sends an acknowledgement to the communicationdevice to complete the registration process, as illustrated in step 730.This process may be repeated for each subsequent re-registration causedby an intersystem handoff executed by the mobile communication device.

[0066]FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for acarrier network to deliver a complete message to a multi-modecommunication device on a remote network. Initially, in step 800, thecarrier network receives the complete message destined for thecommunication device. The message may be received from a network deviceconnected to the Internet, from a network device directly connected tothe carrier network (e.g., a cell phone or PDA), or from a networkdevice connected to another network. For example, a carrier network mayoffer text based messaging services through a web site that allowsnetwork devices with web access to send messages to a communicationdevice.

[0067] Once the complete message has been received, the carrier networkdetermines if the communication device is connected to the carriernetwork, as shown in step 810. If the device is connected, then thecomplete message is delivered directly to the communication device, asillustrated in step 820. If the device is not connected to the carriernetwork (e.g., out of range or connected to another network), then thecomplete message is forwarded to the home network for processing andultimate delivery, as seen in step 830.

[0068] Once the home network receives the complete message from thecarrier network/ WAN, the home network may deliver the complete messageto the communication device as previously described with respect to FIG.4. In certain cases, the complete message may not be delivered to thecommunication device due to message size, priority, or other attributesof the complete message as previously described.

[0069] Upon successful resolution of the delivery process in the homenetwork (including successful delivery or successful non-delivery), asshown in step 850, the home network sends a status message to the WAN.If the delivery of the complete message was not successful for anyreason, the home network sends a negative acknowledgement to the WAN, asillustrated in step 860. Of course, the home network may attempt to sendthe message several times prior to determining that the delivery of thecomplete message was unsuccessful. If the delivery of the completemessage was successful, the home network sends an acknowledgement to theWAN, as shown in step 870. In one embodiment, a successful non-deliverymay occur when the communication device received notice of the completemessage but elected not to retrieve the complete message.

[0070] While the particular systems and methods for complete messagedelivery to a multi-mode communication device herein shown and describedin detail is fully capable of attaining the above described objects ofthis invention, it is to be understood that the description and drawingspresented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of theinvention and are therefore representative of the subject matter whichis broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is furtherunderstood that the scope of the present invention fully encompassesother embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the artand that the scope of the present invention is accordingly limited bynothing other than the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for complete message delivery to amulti-mode communication device, comprising: receiving a messagenotification through a first communication channel, the messagenotification corresponding to a complete message; connecting to amessage server through a second communication channel; and downloadingthe complete message through the second communication channel.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the message notification is a mobileterminated SMS message.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the SMSmessage is encrypted.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the connectingstep comprises establishing a secure VPN connection.
 5. The message ofclaim 1, further comprising parsing the message notification todetermine a set of parameters pertaining to the complete message.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the set of parameters comprises a sender anda subject.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the set of parametersfurther comprises a priority.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the setof parameters comprises a unique message identifier.
 9. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising comparing the set of parameters to anestablished criteria for retrieving complete messages.
 10. A method forcomplete message delivery to a multi-mode communication device,comprising: receiving a complete message addressed to a communicationdevice; constructing a message notification corresponding to thecomplete message; sending the message notification to the communicationdevice through a first communication channel; receiving a downloadrequest from the communication device; and sending the complete messageto the communication device through a second communication channel. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the message notification is a mobileterminated SMS message.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the SMSmessage is encrypted.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the messagenotification comprises a set of parameters.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the set of parameters comprises a sender and a subject.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the set of parameters comprises a priority.16. The method of claim 13, wherein the set of parameters comprises aunique message identifier.
 17. A system for complete message delivery toa multi-mode communication device, comprising: a first communicationnetwork and a second communication network; a communication deviceadaptable to communicate over the first communication network and thesecond communication network; a message control module configured toreceive a complete message addressed to the communication device, notifythe communication device of the message, and provide the completemessage to the communication device upon request.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, further comprising a database adaptable to store aregistration status pertaining to the communication device, wherein thecommunication device reports the registration status to the messagecontrol module and the message control module updates the database. 19.The system of claim 17, wherein the message control module notifies thecommunication device of the complete message via the first communicationnetwork.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the message control modulenotifies the communication device of the complete message via the secondcommunication network.
 21. The system of claim 17, wherein the completemessage is provided to the communication device via the firstcommunication network.
 22. The system of claim 17, wherein the completemessage is provided to the communication device via the secondcommunication network.
 23. The system of claim 17, further comprising amessage filter configured to screen the complete message prior tonotifying the communication device of the complete message.
 24. A methodfor registering a communication device, comprising: receiving aregistration message from a communication device, the registrationmessage having a device identifier and a device status; parsing theregistration message to determine the device identifier and the devicestatus; querying a database to retrieve a database record correspondingto the communication device, the database record having a device status;and updating the device status in the database record.
 25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the registration message is receive as an SMS message.26. The method of claim 24, wherein the registration message is receivedas a TCP/IP message.
 27. A method for a communication device to registerwith a location server upon a trigger event, the method comprising:identifying a trigger event, the trigger event comprising a power on andan intersystem handoff; acquiring a network connection; and sending aregistration message to a location server, the registration messagecomprising a device identifier and a device status.
 28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the network connection is a WAN connection.
 29. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the registration message is an SMS message.30. The method of claim 27, wherein the network connection is a LANconnection.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the registration messageis a TCP/IP message.